Proud owners can have rings, necklaces and even belt buckles made from moulds of their pet’s nose or paws.

She had previously used people’s fingerprints to create unique pieces of jewellery but turned to animals following a request from a woman whose dog was dying.

‘A customer in Canada told me her dog was very ill and she would love to be able to have a remembrance of this beloved pet,’ she said.

‘I told her if she was able to get a print, either paw or nose, I would be able to make the piece and cast it for her.

‘She sent me the prints, which happened to be the nose, and I was able to make a belt buckle. When she received the piece she cried because her dog had passed away – but she was able to see the dog through the piece and has a great remembrance of her pet.’

Ms Kaufman insisted the mould has to be on the nose or paw for only a few seconds, so the animal is not distressed.

‘I have sold over 1,700 pieces,’ said Ms Kaufman, from Florida, who charges between £90 and £320 for the jewellery.